Earlier this fall the Republican Party of Virginia began what is now affectionately known as the “Puckett Caucus” – a group of Democratic legislators who fear to be seen, heard, or tied to the ostensible head of their party.
Leading the charge was State Senator Phil Puckett – who actively campaigned for Obama in 2008, but has said he will not be supporting the president in 2012. Puckett faces a serious challenge from Republican Adam Light in the 38th Senate District.
In 2008, Puckett said, “‘Virginia has a great opportunity on Nov. 4 to set this country on a new path.’ He said Obama is “interested in Southwest Virginia’ and ‘if we win Virginia, we win the presidency of the United States.'”
Fast-forward to this year when Puckett was very clear how he stands (away) from the president: “It’s very clear to me that the administration does not support the coal industry in a way that’s beneficial to our area. So, I don’t plan to support President Obama for re-election.”
In turn, many other Democrats have joined the Puckett caucus, including George Barker, Toddy Puller, Roscoe Reynolds, and Ward Armstrong – all in highly competitive General Election contests.
There’s also Edd Houck who faces Republican Bryce Reeves who said, “I’m going to let the president run his campaign and I’m going to run mine.”
Today, we can now count on a new member of the Puckett Caucus – but it’s not a state legislator – it’s our U.S. Senator Jim Webb.
Webb would not commit to campaigning for Obama in an interview with Politico:
Webb is showing party loyalty on the campaign trail ahead of next week’s state elections, stumping for local candidates during last week’s recess. Asked if he would do the same for Obama in 2012, Webb said: “I don’t want to talk about next year yet.”
Welcome to the caucus, Senator.
In related news, no one has won RPV’s “‘Proud to Stand with Obama’ Direct Mail Scavenger Hunt” yet.
